Veteran Suicide & Retreat Fund

Hello,

My name is Michael McCastle. I am a Veteran, Endurance Athlete, 4x World Record Holder and Founder of 'Twelve Labors Project' a philanthropic organization through which I perform "impossible" feats of endurance (Labors) with the ultimate goal of inspiring others while raising awareness for worthy charitable causes, those of which I am deeply connected to.

Having lost more friends to suicide than I would ever have imagined, while in and out of the service, I have chosen to dedicate my '6th Labor' to raising awareness for the Veteran Suicide Rate--estimated to be at 20 per day (2014, Dept. of Veteran Affairs) --and keep this important conversation going. There are many misconceptions about this alarming statistic and I would like to use this opportunity to inform and educate the public, locally and nationally, so that we can direct our focus and assistance toward those that need it most. Regardless of the numbers or rates, every Veteran Suicide is a tragic outcome...even one is, in truth, too many. Suicide Prevention is "everyone's responsibility".

6th Labor:

On April 11th, 2017, I will run 20 miles every day for 100 consecutive days to raise awareness of the Veteran Suicide rate currently estimated at 20 per day (Department of Veteran Affairs, 2014). This challenge will consist of runs that span across multiple states, counties and cities--carrying with it the message of my cause. 

Upon completion of this challenge, myself and a dedicated team of professionals and Veteran Advocates will be hosting a two-and-a-half-day retreat called ‘Remuda Ranch Retreat & Empowerment Center’ that is designed to create an environment in which Veterans suffering from the toll of their service can release their emotional burdens and reconnect in mind, body and spirit.
This retreat will include equine therapy, yoga & meditation, mental strength seminars, biofeedback modalities, cognitive behavioral methods and therapeutic essential oil therapy.

Proceeds raised from this fund will go toward offsetting logistical and operational costs  of this labor and the retreat to follow, as well as provide critical resources for two outstanding Veteran non-profits: National Alliance to End Veteran Suicide and Operation Enduring Warrior.

I would like to personally thank all of you for your support, love and encouragement. Every dollar counts and will go toward an effort which I wholeheartedly believe will change and save lives...but it won't be possible without your help. Please share this cause through social media and email. My hope is that together as a family, community and Nation, we can further mitigate this epidemic that is plaguing our country's warriors...’til 20 is zero.

Thank you and God Bless.

Best,

Mike
www.twelvelaborsproject.com